Clinical and pathological findings of a sac-like formation in the tunica vaginalis of a Nelore (Bos indicus) bull.

A seven-month-old purebred Nelore calf was diagnosed with a bilateral finger-shaped swelling although more prominent at the left side of the scrotum, located longitudinal and parallel to epididymis corpus. The finding was present from 7 months of age up to castration (performed at 25 months of age). Scrotal circumference, testicular and epididymis consistency and symmetry as well as seminal quality were normal during the follow-up period. The ultrasonographic appearance of the scrotal wall, pampiniform plexus, gonad and epididymis was normal. However, an anechoic region surrounded by a wall forming a sac-like structure with a blind end at its dorsal pole was seen on the swelling area. The examination of fluid aspirated from the saccular contents revealed the presence of mononuclear cells mainly from lymphocytic and histiocytic type as well as some loosing degenerated mesothelial cells. Gross examination at castration revealed a blind sac-like appendix derived from an evagination in the parietal layer of the tunica vaginalis. The structure of approximately 5.0 cm in length extended from the dorsal edge of the epididymis cauda. No adherences with surrounded tissues were observed. Histopathology of the sac wall showed a smooth inner surface composed by scarce mesothelial cells forming in some areas papillary-like projections protruding to the vaginal cavity. Underneath, a thick layer of fibrous tissue mixed with collagen fibres and mononuclear inflammatory cells were seen. The potential consequences of this saccular formation at an older age in a bull are unknown.

Malignant Sertoli cell tumour in a young Simmenthal bull--clinical and pathological observations.

Tumours are rare in the bovine testicle. A case of malignant Sertoli cell tumour in a 29-month-old Simmenthal bull that was hospitalized with a history of severe unilateral scrotal swelling is reported. On inspection and palpation, the scrotal sac was found enlarged with fluctuant content in the right side. The right testicle was enlarged, hard and indolent. Also the right plexus pampiniformis and funiculus spermaticus were enlarged. Sonograms revealed severe changes in the right testicle with a loss of homogeneity and multiple hyperechogenic areas. After slaughter, the scrotum with testicles were removed and evaluated pathologically. On section, the right testicle contained areas of necrosis, haemorrhage, and mineralization. Histology showed Sertoli cells in tubular structures surrounded by dense fibrous stroma replacing normal testicular tissue. Both lymphatic and blood vessels were infiltrated by neoplastic cells. Immunohistochemically, the neoplastic cells stained positive for vimentin and negative for cytokeratin and S-100. Based on the pathological observations a diagnosis of right-sided malignant Sertoli cell tumour with vascular invasion and hydrocele was established.

Hydrocoele of the vaginal cavity of stallions.

The aim of the present study was to analyse the effect of hydrocoele of the vaginal cavity of stallions on semen characteristics, libido and fertility, and to contribute to the understanding of the aetiopathology of this condition in stallions. Hydrocoele did not substantially affect either the libido or semen characteristics of affected stallions compared with a control group, and had no effect on fertility. However, the protein content of hydrocoelic fluid was significantly higher than that of peritoneal fluid and was lower than the protein content of blood serum. Electrophoretic profiles of proteins were similar in peritoneal and hydrocoelic fluid. The results of the present study indicate that hot weather, sometimes in association with restricted exercise, age and communication between the vaginal and peritoneal cavities may be predisposing factors for hydrocoele.

Scrotal hydrocele secondary to ascites in 28 bulls.

Twenty-eight of 104 mature bulls in a herd were examined to determine the cause of scrotal enlargement. Ascites was determined as the source of a transudate that accumulated in and expanded the scrotal vaginal cavity to induce a scrotal hydrocele. In our experience, scrotal hydrocele in mature bulls usually is caused by the accumulation of fluids in the scrotal vaginal cavity without evidence of local inflammation or traumatic lesions. In the bulls reported here, ascites was associated with intestinal edema that was tentatively attributed to a hypersensitivity reaction to gastrointestinal nematodes. Ascites in mature bulls with scrotal hydrocele in which primary lesions of the scrotum and scrotal contents are not detected should induce practitioners to perform additional diagnostic procedures to determine the cause of the fluid.

Outcome of scrotal hydrocele in 26 bulls.

Changes in scrotal sonograms and semen quality were monitored in 26 bulls with idiopathic scrotal hydrocele over a 4-month period. After 120 days, scrotal hydrocele had resolved (ultrasonographically, fluid was not detectable within the vaginal process) in 85% (22/26) of the bulls. Percentage of bulls with unilateral scrotal hydrocele that resolved was higher than that for bulls with bilateral hydrocele (94 vs 62.5% or 17/18 bulls vs 5/8 bulls, respectively). After 120 days, 77% (20/26) of the bulls passed a breeding soundness evaluation. At 90 days, semen quality was satisfactory in more of the bulls with unilateral disease (9/18) than with bilateral disease (1/8). The finding of multifocal echodensities in the testicular parenchyma was not correlated with a poor breeding soundness score or with a high number of spermatozoal abnormalities. The prognosis for full recovery in bulls with scrotal hydrocele likely depends on the severity and duration of the condition.

Complications of castration and ovariectomy.

This article discusses the complications of castration and ovariectomy and their treatment and prevention. These two procedures were chosen because castration is the most common surgical procedure performed by the equine practitioner and ovariectomy is associated with a high number of complications.

Leiomyoma of the tunica vaginalis in a dog.

A benign neoplasm of smooth muscle origin was found in the tunica vaginalis testis of a 13-year-old male Miniature Poodle. The leiomyoma had caused hydrocele and atrophy of the corresponding testis. It consisted of bundles of interwoven smooth muscle cells with elongated nuclei and areas of hyalinization.